Staff
The Rainy River District OPP is encouraging local residents to purchase a “Smile Cookie” during Tim Hortons’ annual fundraiser running this week.
The chocolate chunk cookies decorated with blue eyes and smiles cost $1, with all proceeds from sales here going to help support the OPP Respect Technology program.
Money raised during last year’s “Smile Cookie” campaign also went to the program, which Community Services Officer Cst. Anne McCoy noted was a great help.
She noted she was able to purchase technology, as well as presentation software in order to bring the lesson of “digital citizenship” to students at schools throughout the district.
“This will help us continue to promote our online safety and anti-bullying presentation,” she stressed, citing it emphasizes skill building, critical thinking, ethical discussion, and decision-making.
Through curriculum and presentations, the program celebrates the power of the Internet and other digital media, but teaches young people about the potential online safety risks.
“We’ve given them the technology, but we need to teach them to use it responsibly,” she voiced.
This year, Cst. McCoy indicated she has developed a partnership with the local Confederation College and the graphics students are going to assist with creating apps and materials for handouts, such as pens and posters.
“The funds will help to enhance the delivery of the program,” she added.
The Respect Technology program has also given way to a new provincial crime prevention initiative called Cyber Awareness Protection and Enforcement (CAPE), which was launched for the North West Region in March.
CAPE brings together community partners (the Rainy River District School Board, Northwest Catholic District School Board, Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.), and the Rainy River District Victim Services Program) to educate the public, particularly youths and seniors, about responsible use of the Internet.
“We really appreciate the support from Tim Hortons,” Cst. McCoy expressed, citing last year the fundraiser provided them with $4,300.
Some of the local officers, as well as other volunteers, have already been busy delivering orders of “Smile Cookies” locally.
“We just want everyone to stop by and purchase one,” she stressed.
The “Smile Cookie” fundraiser runs until Sept. 23.
